Oftentimes it can feel like our faith and politics shouldn’t mix — or even more so, that Christians shouldn’t engage in politics. In a season of differing opinions and difficult conversations, it can be tempting to disengage altogether. But a prayer for our country is one way we can respond.
While our hope is rooted in Christ and not political outcomes, God commands each one of us to practice a faith rooted in action. The love for our neighbor and the wellbeing of our communities isn’t something to leave to chance but is meant to be shown through our faithfulness.
November 3, 2026, is midterm election day in the United States. As Americans and those of us privileged enough to vote head to the polls, we are reminded that participating in our democracy is another opportunity to apply biblical principles to help shape the communities we share. The beauty of being Christ believers and citizens of this nation is that we already have a reassuring, nonpartisan foundation. And whether or not we are eligible to vote, we all have a role to play as we pray for our nation to reflect God’s love for all people.
In Revelation 7: 9-10, John describes a vision of people from every nation, tribe, and language gathered together before God’s throne:
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count,
from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before
the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their
hands. And they cried out in a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on
the throne, and to the Lamb.’” (Rev. 7:9-10 NIV)
This powerful image of a diverse body of believers depicts for us that while we are each made distinctly and perfectly different, our identity in Christ calls us to look at every person as fellow image bearers.
At World Relief, this conviction is at the heart of our work as we walk alongside refugees and other immigrants and the communities that welcome them. We envision thriving, welcoming communities where families flourish, and people experience restorative relationships with God, their neighbors, themselves and all of creation.
We believe in biblical advocacy and public witness that mobilizes Christians for systemic change, changes hearts and minds, and enables us to build the just and welcoming world we envision — on earth as it is in heaven.
So we boldly pray for our country this Election Day. May our prayers reflect his love for all people, inspire us to listen with humility and be well informed by truth as we seek peace, justice and the well-being of our neighbors.
A Prayer for Our Country, the 2026 Elections and Our Elected Officials by Matthew Soerens, VP of Advocacy and Policy
Lord,
Your Word instructs us to pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
We bring before you the U.S. elections, as the American people collectively choose who will be their representatives and senators in the U.S. Congress and, in many cases, their state and local elected leaders.
We pray that your hand would guide the campaigns and the elections themselves, that all candidates would articulate their differing policy perspectives while speaking respectfully of their opponents and of all people made in the Image of God.
We pray for a peaceful transfer of power, regardless of whether our preferred candidates win or lose.
And we pray for all those who are ultimately elected. May you grant each of them wisdom, humility and courage to govern our nation in ways that serve the common good.
We pray for the preservation of the rights of all people to practice their faith, and that they prioritize the wellbeing of those who are vulnerable amidst the great crises facing our world, including the poor, orphans, refugees and other immigrants.
We pray this in the name of our King, Jesus, at whose name one day every knee shall bow, Amen.
Let Prayer Shape How You Engage
As we pray for our nation this election season, we can also take time to listen, learn and consider how our faith calls us to love our neighbors and seek justice.
World Relief’s newest free guide, Beyond the Ballot: Navigating Immigration Issues With Clarity and Courage, offers practical resources to help you better understand immigration and global displacement and approach important conversations with compassion and confidence.
Inside the guide, you’ll find:
- A simple breakdown of federal, state and local government responsibilities
- Five policy areas to watch this election season
- Key immigration and refugee terms
- Facts and context behind common immigration claims
- Practical ways to engage, advocate and pray
As you lift up our country in prayer, take the next step toward becoming a more informed and compassionate voter.
Jessica Galván is Sr. Content Writer at World Relief. She is passionate about storytelling and amplifying diverse voices to reveal the beauty of God’s creation. She is also the Editorial Director for Chasing Justice and prior to World Relief, she was a freelance writer and editor for a variety of clients in publishing, most recently Penguin Random House. When she isn’t wordsmithing for the pursuit of faith and justice, she is spending time with her family in the Houston, TX area.